Return of the Dragon | Lyoto Machida

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SteemSports Presenter: @brandonk

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SteemSports Editor: @theprophet0

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It has been a long while since we have seen The Dragon Machida score a highlight reel knockout...or really just claim a win at all. It has been quite the downhill slump for Machida since he was banned for a supposed performance enhancer, but it still seems he has the energy and motivation to fight.

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His opponent this upcoming Saturday is Eryk Anders, a brawler who enjoys slugging it out but can also wrestle if he finds himself in trouble. The 10-0 record speaks volumes as Eryk has a very high knockout rating and has been fearless against sturdy veterans including Rafael Natal.

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One must wonder if this is a passing of the torch match-up because at first look, it seems like a mismatch of sorts. If Machida is able to withstand the early barrages from Anders, he could outlast and outpoint to a decision with his veteran experience. It really will be about who sticks to the game-plan best.

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I am a bit worried as to the condition of Machida's durability at this point; it would be a lie to claim Machida has looked anything close to a top fifteen ranked fighter in years. Luke Rockhold and Yoel Romero exposed The Dragon and finished him brutally almost embracing a new era of the middleweight division.

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The light heavyweight and 185 pound staple in The Dragon is no less respected for maintaining his warrior spirit. It is admirable no matter how unintelligent the match-up may seem. Lyoto is a fighter in ever sense of the word, and I look forward to seeing how he copes with the young lion.

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It will be a solid night of fights with the return of the Bullet Valentina Shevchenko as well. The list of former champions and contenders on this card isn't overwhelming, but there are a fair share of rising contenders to keep an eye on. Belem welcomes the UFC this weekend!

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